Virtual Psychotherapy: Pros, Cons & Effectiveness

On March 12, 2020, a seismic global shift took hold. A worldwide pandemic, the likes of which had not been seen in over 100 years gripped the global community. It necessitated immediate adaptation to keep some continuity in daily life, commerce, and government. Psychotherapy as a field was no exception; therapists across the country began conducting sessions online to maintain treatment consistency as best they could.  “Zoom” became a household word.

Today, seeing your therapist online is considered routine in some areas. But now that the dangers of the pandemic have been reduced, does an online therapy treatment work as well as one conducted in person?  Which is right for you?

Some Advantages of Online Therapy

Convenience

Skipping the commute saves time and makes therapy accessible even with a busy schedule. Whether juggling work, kids, or other commitments, online therapy makes it easier to fit sessions into your day. 

Accessibility 

Having your therapist available online creates a degree of accessibility that an in-person treatment does not provide.  This accessibility may be preferable to those with physical limitations or medical conditions that interfere with their physical health or mobility.  Online therapy bridges the gap for those in areas without access to therapists, ensuring they don’t have to sacrifice quality care due to location.

Immediacy 

Online therapy can address immediate issues that come up, issues that are easily discussed and accessed by the patient, such as panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder.  

Affordability 

Many states now require that behavioral health coverage be extended to online services.  Not all do, however, so check with your provider. That said, therapists practicing exclusively online may have fewer overhead costs and may offer lower-cost treatment options where insurance does not provide coverage.  

Some Disadvantages of Virtual Therapy

Lack of Coverage

Not all insurance plans cover online therapy, meaning you might have to pay out-of-pocket.

Privacy Concerns

Having the ability to conduct therapy “anywhere” has its pitfalls, namely that privacy may be at a premium. The office may not provide a quiet space; the children may not respect Mom or Dad’s “special” time, and having therapy at Starbucks could create some real privacy violations.  

Reliance on Technology

Unstable or unreliable technology can disrupt one’s therapy session to the point where the disruption becomes the main focus and diverts the attention of both therapist and patient in an intrusive and unhelpful way.  

Lack of Therapeutic Intimacy

Being in the presence of a therapist provides a healing intimacy that is not as easy to attain online. The act of going to the therapist’s office can be therapeutic. Reserving time each week (or some other frequency) with consistency in a specific place elevates the experience and emphasizes that this is protected, dedicated time directed towards bettering your mental health and wellness.

Limited Communication  

Many issues that patients want to address in therapy are long-standing maladaptive patterns that are not easily accessed.  Thus, the therapist will rely on non-verbal cues and body language to help the patient talk about painful memories, self-destructive patterns, and dysfunctional coping styles. This type of non-verbal communication is very limited in online treatment.  Therefore, patients looking to come to terms with pervasive interpersonal problems, or those resulting from complex trauma might benefit from in-person therapy over an online treatment.

Geographical Limits

In theory, an online practice can be conducted anywhere, but there are legal and ethical constraints to be considered.  States require that a therapist be licensed in the state where the patient is located; only in special circumstances can therapists practice across state lines.  

Effectiveness: When Online Therapy Works Best and When It Doesn’t

Online therapy can be effective for some specific concerns, like panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, and mild to moderate symptoms of depression. In short, any issue that is contained and readily discussed can be effectively treated.  However, a more severe psychiatric illness, suicidal risk, complex trauma, or conditions including long-standing maladaptive personality patterns may not respond as well as they could in an in-person setting.  

Virtual therapy can be a convenient and cost-effective way to start your mental health journey, but it isn’t without some disadvantages. Take time to explore your options, ask about fees and insurance, and choose the approach that fits your needs and budget best. Investing in your mental health, whether in person or online, is a worthwhile investment in your future.